Although I am from the Science background the question regarding what is the difference between Economics (Hons) and B.Com (Hons) (which are the two of the most sought after courses in the Delhi University) has always bugged me. Later I realised that like me there are many aspirants who find it hard to differentiate between economics and B.Com (Hons). After going through a bit of research I decide share my ideas with the readers.
Which is tougher?
The fact that both programmes attract commerce students and non-commerce as well aplenty and are counted among the toughest in Delhi University, add to the charm of these two courses. So, what is it exactly that must be the guiding light in deciding which programme is right for the aspirants? Blame it on the seeming similarities between the courses.
Commerce and Non-Commerce students
One interesting thing is that although Non-Commerce students tend to opt for Economics (Hons) than the B.Com (Hons) yet B.Com (Hons) witnesses higher cut-offs than the Economics (Hons) in DU. However the most prominent is that B.Com (Hons) is an amalgam and a mixture plenty of courses while economics is a specialised field of study. While the former is a combination of subjects such as accountancy, law, finance and even economics etc., the latter focuses on analysis, making the perfect choice with limited resources, quantitative learning, in short, is more about applied learning. If management, finance, world economy and allied fields interest a person, then one should consider studying economics, whereas if your interest lies in accountancy, law and finance, one should settle for B.Com (Hons).
Placements
While both disciplines fare similarly on various grounds, BCom (Hons) does relatively better when it comes to placements. At the graduate level, BCom (Hons) students gain an edge over their economics counterparts as far as placements go. While an economics student’s scope is limited to core economics and allied fields, a BCom (Hons) student fits well in various domains. Economics students find placements in sectors like finance, international trade, diplomatic industrial relations and banking. Organisations that cater to trade, managing people, office and goods provide an option for BCom (Hons) students to work in. Even the sectors like management, banking, law along with professional courses like chartered accountancy and company secretary are also open to students with degree in B.Com (Hons)
While one weighs the pros and cons of the two courses, it is important to pay special attention to a person’s own interest, aptitude and future options after completing either programme if he/she decides to opt for any of these programmes.
I hope my article is not only helpful to the aspirants but also clarifies the misconceptions of the readers as well.
– Akshit Gupta, TIF
